Softness in tourist spending fueled its sales decline

“As expected, this was a difficult quarter in terms of both sales and earnings growth,” CEO Frederic Cumenal said in a statement. Challenges include “continued pressure from foreign tourist spending in Europe, the U.S., and Asia, particularly in Hong Kong,” he said.

In a conference call following the release of its financial results, vice president of investor relations Mark Aaron talked up the company’s upcoming initiatives, including its watch line and campaign touting the 130th anniversary of its six-prong Tiffany setting.

That campaign will also “emphasize the exceptional quality and rarity of our diamonds,” he said.

He added that the company hopes to return to growth once its initiatives start paying off and macro headwinds subside.